Sayenko Kharenko – legal counsel on obtaining merger clearance for the acquisition of Mexico’s biggest brewer

Sayenko Kharenko’s antitrust team has provided legal assistance in obtaining merger clearance with the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (the “AMC“) for the acquisition of shares of Grupo Modelo, S.A.B. de. C.V. (“Grupo Modelo“) by Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A./N.V. (“AB InBev“), the world’s biggest brewer.

This transaction enables AB InBev to learn from the state-of-the-art technology used in Grupo Modelo’s newest breweries, which are among the most modern and efficient worldwide. Together, the combined company works to mutually enhance their corporate responsibility initiatives for their employees, the environment and consumers.

AB InBev is active in beer production, distribution and marketing. It is presented by global (Stella Artois, Beck’s and Budweiser), multi-country (Leffe, Hoegaarden and Staropramen) and local brands (Chernigivske) of beer. It operates in 23 countries and employs 116 000 people worldwide.

Grupo Modelo is a Mexico-based company primarily engaged in the production, distribution and sale of 13 beer brands (among which are Negra Modelo and Corona Extra) and is present in more than 180 countries.

After examining the proposed transaction, the AMC has concluded that its implementation poses neither threat to competition nor significantly limits competition on any product market in Ukraine.

Sayenko Kharenko’s competition team for the current transaction included partner Volodymyr Sayenko, counsel Dmitry Taranyk, senior associate Maksym Nazarenko, and associate Julia Kuyda.